Northern California Braces for Rain and Snow: Impact Day Issued

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Northern California is preparing for another significant weather event as rain and snow are expected to impact the region on Thursday. The KCRA 3 weather team has declared an Impact Day due to the anticipated travel disruptions and potential hazards associated with this storm.

Snow Forecast

A third storm is set to arrive early Thursday morning, with snow levels dropping to as low as 1,000 feet. Areas such as Auburn, Cameron Park, Grass Valley, Sonora, and Groveland may experience slushy accumulations primarily on grass surfaces. However, as elevations increase, the snowfall will intensify:

• 2,000 feet: Snow begins to stick to pavement.
• 3,000 feet: Expect 3-6 inches of snow accumulation.
• 4,000 feet: Snowfall may reach between 12-18 inches.
• Above 5,000 feet: The region could see upwards of 2 feet of snow.

With these anticipated conditions, travel in the Sierra may be severely disrupted, as highways are expected to close frequently due to spinouts and heavy snowfall on roadways above 4,000 feet. Even with decreasing snow rates, conditions in higher elevations are likely to remain challenging.

Rain Accumulation

Rainfall will also be significant, with widespread precipitation expected early Thursday morning. Most areas within the Sacramento Valley could receive an additional quarter-inch to half-inch of rain. In the Foothills below 2,000 feet, rain totals may climb to 1 inch. The afternoon will bring scattered showers, with rain chances decreasing into the evening hours.

Weekend Outlook

After Thursday’s storm, conditions are expected to dry out on Friday and Saturday, providing a brief respite from the wet weather.

For continuous updates and more information on California weather, resources such as KCRA 3 are valuable for tracking developments.

Stay safe and be prepared for the changes in weather, especially if you plan to travel or engage in outdoor activities during this period.

For further reading about the weather in California, visit California Weather Alerts and stay informed with local forecasts.